Bare Cove Park off-leash program being fine-tuned

The selectmen received 96 letters and emails expressing various opinions about the recently presented draft off-leash dog-walking program for Bare Cove Park.

"This is all about compromise," said Selectmen Chairman Mary Power. "There's a lot of trust involved in this process. A sincere effort is being made to make this work."

Following yet another lengthy conversation, the board voted to accept the program in substance, with the understanding that some of the language concerning the liability insurance requirement and other issues will be fine-tuned prior to the selectmen's Thursday, July 13, meeting.

Town Administrator Ted Alexiades noted that working out the details of the appeal process involving any violations of the rules under the new program will take some time and doesn't need to be in place for the projected start date of July 15.

At the same time, the selectmen supported a reserve fund transfer of $7,500 to implement the program, which involves a registration process -- permits for pet owners, dog tags, and a number of rules and regulations.

Those seeking permits are required to show the declarations page of their homeowner's or tenant's liability policy that would cover any damage done by their pets in the park and to provide proof each year that their policies have been renewed. "This is a public safety issue," said Selectman Paul Healey to the crowd gathered in the third-floor meeting room.

"If a dog owner doesn't provide this certification, no big deal -- he or she can walk their dog on-leash," he said, likening having insurance coverage to "putting your money where your mouth is -- I think this will result in dog walkers being more careful. Walking a dog in the park is a privilege."